“We strongly desire transformation in Comval…we want as much as possible to craft proactive programs that will address pressing societal issues especially the one connected with crime and illegal drugs,” Comval Gov. Tyron Uy shares this during the Oplan Liwanag launching on April 4, 2017 at the provincial capitol.
The “Oplan Liwanag: Community-based Transformative Intervention Program for Voluntary Surrenderers for Reform (VSRs)” is a 2-month program which aims to rehabilitate and reform the VSRs. Activities include lectures and workshops on spirituality, psychosocial, health awareness, marriage and family enrichment, life skills and livelihood training skills.
The governor vows to pursue relentlessly the program and its successful implementation. Under the “Aksyon Comval” mantra, the provincial government immediately responded to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call on the fight against illegal drugs.
“I have always believed that the Philippines has called us to serve and that the government is here to work for the people,” the governor said.
Comval applied a two-pronged approach with the efforts of the Police Force, in cooperation with the Philippine Army, and the support of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council down to the municipalities (MADAC) and barangays (BADAC). With this, the PADAC lead the implementation of the Oplan Liwanag with the active participation of other key stakeholders.
After the initial success of the pilot barangays, the first of which is in Banlag, Monkayo, kick-off ceremonies were held from among the different municipalities. Initially, the province has already conducted 2 culmination programs in Monkayo and Nabunturan with 140 VSRs who graduated from the program.
“With the support of the MLGUs and BLGUs, some were employed and are now starting a new life. Indeed, we can be an instrument who could give these kind of people, a new beginning,” Gov. Uy said.
The governor also expressed his gratitude to all local and national agencies, and other stakeholders who supported the program but admitted that there’s more to be done. “We are really in need of help in terms of food and medicine provision, opportunities and trainings for our VSRs and logistical support as this would never be an easy 2-month program.”
“It’s our call to provide a future for our people, we don’t have time to procrastinate, the time to win the war against illegal drugs is now!, Gov. Uy ended. (Fe F. Maestre/ IDS Comval)
